HAPPY THRONG

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 6 April 1926, Page 4

HAPPY THRONG

GREAT GATHERING ON TAHUNA BEACH OVER SOO'J PRESENT WONDERFUL SUCCESS OP GALA DAY Bill POSSIBILITIES AHEAD Y, sterJay was a wonderful day. Thousands from town and country joined together on Tahuna Beach, Glorious sunshine flooded the autumn nil' and seemed to shine into the hearts ot all. For it was a happy crowd and a friendly crowd. I''.very.-nu was delighted with the sue, ess of the day. There was not. i ne person who was tint, welcome, and as for the children, their merriment was infections and inspiring. 'I here is something impressive about a community picnic. It reveals a little of the kindness mil: ' people feel towards one. anntlu r, but which is not too often expressed'. And at Tahuna. yesterday all stood on common ground, and were animated by the same ideal—the desire to make the most of this great district asset. <hi r and above all these things there was i lie gloriouM surroundings of the Beach, and the Beach itself, "the shimmering sea. the smell of the sea and the wit sand. Steadily during the morning the tide rose and in the afternoon receded, At night the waves were breakin.; seine distance from the high tide mark, and the hard wind made a prono uaile for many walkers 11 seem,".! as if the programme of events had tin more to do with the day than the story in a pantomime has to do villi the show. Hundreds sat and lolled mi the sand hills all do day. Tin v wanted nothing but the sunshine and the air the animated scenes about them, the distant, hills and the sea. Small children played with the sand nearbv and guardians' tasks w r cre not difficult. Hundreds, however, watched with kindly interest sports events which had been provided. Those in charge of the day had a busy lime. I'reparations that could not bo made beforehand commenced at daylight and were hardly finished when the people commenced to arrive. Between 9 and 11 o'clock some thousands assembled and the success of the day was assured. Cars and 'bases came from ail directions. It is impossible to say just bow many came in from the country, but those who know the country well say they met friends from every past, and towards sunset the stream of cars inland was phenomenal. The attendance proves how interested country people really are in Tahuna Beach. The regulation of traffic required the attention of Constable Berthelsen and the city Traffic Inspector (Mr Parkinson) all day long. Hundreds of cars were parked in l.he vicinity of the sands and the overflow was in adjoining streets of Tab una nui. People also came from South Nelson over the hills and down through Bisley Avenue. The scene at night, was also impressive. It was difficult to believe it was at Tahuna Reach* ' The fine display of coloured lights lit up Ihe various stalls and the surrounding areas. %ud cast gleams of light for considerable distances, over which many people strolled; The fireworks display gave special interesl tr.' the m'. 7 * port ion of the evening, v.'hi u a large number of rockets wius the principal feature. The outstanding event of the evening, however, was not on the official programme. Tin's was the animated scene on the Rock's Read created by the. headlights of motor cars as they followed one arother procession-like tu Hio sands. Their lights in addition were iefiecled in the wafer. Al this time the A rah urn was steaming out of the harbour, and altogether the scene was a \i rv memorable one. The Nelson Silver Rand played selection, during the day and evening. \.-i indicating the large crowd nn Tahuna Bead, yesterday, it is worthy of mention that (lie sale of admission ribbons realised just over £175: representing 3500 adults. As children were admitted free and were present, in very larg' numbers' there must have been fully B.COO people on the sands. A word of praise is dm' to the excellent manner in which the traffic inspector (Mr Parkinson) an I Constable Rerlhelson controlled the very heavy traffic; which was handled in a very expeditious manner and without the slightest mishap. Assistance, was also rendered by Constable I lard v. of Richmond. One of the most pleasing features of the day was the unstinted service given by it considerable number of helpers. Many wirked from early morning to late at night and could not have done more to assist the. good cause. • Mr H. R.. Duncan. President, of lb? Association, said today thai all concerned with the Gala Day were deserving of the best thanks of the community. Il seemed only right that those prominently associated with this initial movement should be mentioned. and we have been supplied with the appended list. If some names are omitted it has not been from the want of endeavouring m i < the full list. The gates were in charge of .Messrs All'. Robinson and E. D. Barry, and with them were associated Messrs W. E. Newenham. A. L. Mokes. W. Liddle. C. Chamberlain. A. ,1. Pellcw, .1. Jellyniiin. E. Sellers, and ('. t'rookes, who handled the admission of a large crowd in a very expeditious manner, whilst Miss '!', nilinsoi) and Miss Niven and their willing hand of helpers rendered splendid service in the sale of admittance ribbons. Spurts Committee: Messrs L. Pay and A. P.. Davidson in charge, and with them were Messrs F. Sa.allbone. W. Cheel, S. C. Davies, G. Coleman. G. 'I I'". McClclland. C Johnson. ' Harbour Board staff, erection of Erection of tents, Messrs F. Smallbone, Thornton and C. P. Stannard. I ne side shows were in charge of Mr '. •betes, who had an excellent staff of assistants. Tea Room staff: ..Mrs Heath and Mrs •'him in charge, assisted hy Mcsdanies Unborn, Watson. Sellars. Spencer. Scott and Andrews; Misses Sellars (3). llcaiv Andrews, and Abram. Sweets and Soft Drinks: Mrs Coleman and Mrs Dixon. Mr Hurley was also-of 'he greatest assistance iu this stall-